Best us poker sites 2023 - american poker rankings

In this guide, we will rank and review the best online poker sites in the United States by state plus provide a state-specific poker law summary along with an FAQ section and glossary of key poker terms. We have also included practical tips and advice on how to play your first game as well as pointers on finding and claiming any .   online poker america - The best real money poker sites in the USA ranked & reviewed... 

Top Online Poker Sites in America 2023

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US Poker Apps Ranked Full List

  1. (Best Poker App in the USA)
  2. (Top Texas Holdem Real Money App)
  3. (Leading US Card Room for Tournaments)
  4. (Great Online Cash Games)
  5. (Top Free Poker App for Fun Games)
  6. (Top Legal Poker App in the USA)
  7. (Best for Beginners in USA)
  8. (Good US Online Poker for Mac)
  9. (Best Poker Site Bonus)

To create this ranking and review of the leading US poker rooms online, we started by checking which states they are legally allowed to operate in. Only those that were licensed or had an agreement with a Native American tribe could be considered. From there we created a list based on cash games, tournaments, traffic, player safety, software reliability, and payment options. This was then refined to create the final poker site ranking above.

You can use this list to find the best US poker room for you right now. However, please remember that some states only allow players to access in-state licensed poker rooms. So, you may need to change your location settings within the poker app or select a VPN server in another state to access your chosen room. You can find out more about the legal status of poker in your state in the state guides below.

In this online poker America guide, we’ll explain how the legal situation regarding real money US poker differs from state to state. You’ll learn about the best US poker sites and the top apps for iPhone and Android devices. Plus, you’ll discover which tournaments and cash games you can play online from the State of Liberty.

Stay focused on this guide if you want to learn the nuances of US online poker laws, find out where online poker is legal in the US and get some useful tips for playing online safely. Check out our state maps to see where online poker is legal, plus visit our secure links to access the best regulated poker sites and apps.

Want to know which US states have regulated online poker and which sites you can play at? Then check out the map and list below. If you want to play poker online in stars and stripes, then click “Play Now” next to a licensee to sign up today.

Unfortunately, there are no completely free poker apps in the US that offer prizes. Although you can play most games for real money, as well as play money, the best online poker sites in the US for free options is WSOP.PK, although this only available in Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware.

If you want to find some free poker games for US players that do not involve counterfeit money, you need to head to your state lottery website or a daily fantasy sports site – but do bear in mind that these are different forms of gaming, so you’ll need separate accounts to play. 

US Online Poker Laws by State

The Federal Wire Act of 1961 made it illegal for US citizens to place bets over the phone or internet, however, after much debate, it was ruled that this law only applies to sports betting. Since then, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 has made it difficult for online casinos and poker sites to process payments from the US, but it doesn’t make playing online illegally.

All that said, regulation of online gambling, including , is actually down to each individual state. Therefore, while some states prohibit online poker, others have fully legalized and regulated the industry. We've provided a summary of the current legal position of each state below.

Click on your state on the map or list below for information on the legal status of poker in your area and a link to our detailed local guide. On each state page, you’ll find a summary of the local laws, a guide to the best locally licensed and regulated poker sites, and lots of helpful tips and strategies for playing Texas Hold’em and other popular poker variations.

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Alabama

Online poker in Alabama is technically illegal both at land-based establishments and online. There are no active bills seeking to legalize the industry. 

Alaska

There are no active bills seeking to legalize the industry. Residents can access offshore poker sites, which are technically operating outside the law. 

Arizona

The Gila River Indian Community allows poker at its casinos. Online poker is allowed if operated by a Native American tribe.

Arkansas

Poker is permitted at Saracen Casino Annex and Saracen Tower in Jefferson County, both of which are operated by the Pine Bluff Arkansas Race Track. Online poker is currently prohibited.

California

The latest attempts to legalize online poker in California were foiled in 2022. It seems unlikely that any new bills will be introduced this year. Poker rooms are subject to heavy taxation, which may put some potential operators off.

Colorado

Colorado legalized online poker and casino gaming in 2019, but so far, no operators have been granted licenses. Several major brands pulled out of plans to launch in the Centennial State in 2022. It remains to be seen when online poker will become available.

Connecticut

is home to two licensed poker sites – Mohegan Sun and Penn National. Both are linked to physical casinos in the state, which are allowed to offer online gaming under state law.

Delaware

Delaware became one of the first states to legalize online gambling and poker back in 2012. Currently, there are three licensed poker sites: DraftKings, FanDuel, and .

Florida

While there is no legislation in the works, many believe that Florida has the potential to be a huge gaming state. Its close proximity to the Bahamas could prove beneficial, as the state does not currently have any poker rooms offering live games.

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Georgia

Georgia is something of a paradox when it comes to gambling laws. Two poker resorts received licenses in 023, but all other forms of gambling – including online poker – are prohibited.

Hawaii

Despite several attempts over the years, there are currently no regulatory frameworks in place to license and regulate online poker sites in Hawaii. The latest bill was rejected in March 2023.

Idaho

Idaho has a reputation for being tough on gamblers. All forms of except fantasy sports are currently prohibited, and anyone found running unlicensed poker rooms could face fines and imprisonment.

Illinois

Illinois has tried and failed to pass poker room legislation on numerous occasions. In 2023, Bill SD1944 was introduced, and despite support from various political figures, it stalled in committee in April. 

Indiana

Indiana is home to several large land-based poker rooms, but efforts to legalize online poker have so far been in vain. HB 1636 was introduced in January 2023 but failed to progress through the House.

Iowa

Iowa legalized online poker and casino gaming in 2019, but the first and only licensed poker room, Hard Rock Hotel Casino, has yet to launch its online platform. Some industry insiders expect the operator to miss its deadline and give another brand a chance to snap up an valuable license. 

Kansas

Kansas legalized sports betting in 2022, but there is no mention of poker in the current regulations. Residents may have to wait a while before they can play online poker within the law.

Kentucky

Horse racing plays a big role in Kentucky, and poker rooms are sometimes located on race tracks. One operator holds a virtual monopoly over the market.

Louisiana

As things stand, all forms of online gambling – including online poker – are prohibited in the state of Louisiana. Any operators allowing residents to play would be breaking the law.

Maine

Maine legalized sports betting in 2019, and in 2022, the state expanded its gambling legislation to include online poker and casino games. However, no licenses have yet been issued, so no sites are live.

Maryland

Legalization of online poker looked likely in 2023, but the relevant bill was withdrawn before the vote in April. It could be reintroduced later in the legislative session.

Massachusetts

Plans for an integrated resort in Massachusetts included provision for online poker and casino gaming. However, the project was withdrawn in 2023, and there is no longer a bill currently going through the state legislature.

Michigan

Michigan is something of a gambling mecca, with lucrative markets for sports betting, casino games, and poker. Numerous big-name brands compete for business in this Great Lakes state. 

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Minnesota

Currently, all forms of online gambling – with the exception of fantasy sports – are prohibited. But interest in expanding the state’s gaming industry is growing, so things could change soon. 

Mississippi

Mississippi has a liberal approach to gambling, and land-based poker rooms are licensed and regulated accordingly. To date, no bills seeking to legalize online poker have passed through the state assembly.

Missouri

Last year, Missouri legalized sports betting, but there was no mention of poker in the regulations. The next legislative session begins in January 2024, so interested parties have time to push their case.

Montana

Montana legalized poker in 2023, making it the 16th state to do so. The new laws apply to both in-person and online poker, and licenses should become available in H2 2024.

Nebraska

Like many other US states, Nebraska allows poker rooms on licensed race tracks. However, any resident setting up an online poker site without the necessary licensing would be breaking the law.

Nevada

Commonly known as the Silver State, Nevada is famous for its liberal attitude to gambling. There are plenty of licensed and well-regulated poker rooms both online and offline, so players are well catered for.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire was one of the first states to legalize online poker, although there are only two licensed sites currently operating – one run by the state lottery and one run by a Native American tribe.

New Jersey

Home of Atlantic City, New Jersey has a thriving gambling scene, with a large number of online poker rooms competing for custom. Players must be within state lines to play.

New Mexico

New Mexico allows poker rooms on licensed premises, but online poker is currently prohibited. Residents looking to play online must use offshore gaming sites, which operate outside of state laws.

New York

Statistically, more people watch the Final Table of than the Super Bowl. Despite this, New York has yet to license any online poker sites. It appears any bills presented to the legislature meet with resistance.

North Carolina

Anyone found running an online poker site within the state would be breaking the law, as there are no regulatory frameworks in place. Private games are permitted, providing no money changes hands.

North Dakota

A bill proposing to legalize online poker was introduced in January 2023 but was met with opposition from various quarters. As things stand, playing or hosting poker games online is against the law

Ohio

Ohio legalized sports betting in 2022, but there is no mention of poker in the relevant legislation. Some industry experts predict that a poker room bill will be introduced during JANUARY’S legislative session.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma takes a hard line on gambling, and any residents caught hosting or taking part in poker games could face severe penalties. There is no indication that this stance will change.

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Oregon

Oregon used to have a progressive attitude toward gambling and poker. However, the state’s only poker room closed in 2023 due to financial difficulties. Any online poker sites not licensed in Oregon are operating outside the law.

Pennsylvania

Live poker rooms are popular across Pennsylvania, and the state also legalized online poker and casino gaming in 2019. Numerous big-name brands are vying for business in the Keystone State.

South Carolina

South Carolina has a reputation for being one of the toughest states when it comes to prosecuting gamblers. Currently, any form of poker played for money is banned, unless sanctioned by an authorized organization.

South Dakota

Private poker games are permitted provided an entrance fee is refunded to the players. Anyone profiting from organizing games could face charges of operating an unlicensed gaming establishment.

Tennessee

Tennessee is one of the few states that bans all forms of poker, whether played in person or online. Anyone found breaking the law could face large fines and even imprisonment.

Texas

Texas has a complex attitude toward gambling and poker. While there are plenty of live venues, playing poker online within the law is somewhat ambiguous. It is thought that a private member’s bill may be introduced to clarify the situation.

Utah

Mormon beliefs pervade Utah society, and gambling is strongly discouraged. Indeed, Utah has the strictest anti-gambling laws in the United States. Playing poker within the state – either live or online – could be deemed a criminal offense.

Vermont

Vermont has no history of gambling, and any residents caught hosting or participating in poker games could face fines and imprisonment. There is no indication that the state will license any poker rooms in the near future.

Virginia

Although Virginia lawmakers discussed the possibility of licensing poker rooms in 2023, no formal proposals were made. As things stand, it remains illegal to set up an online poker site within the state.

Washington

Washington allows poker rooms on licensed premises, but anyone running an online gaming site would be flouting the law. Constitutional amendments are required to authorize new forms of gambling.

Washington DC

Although the capital city allows poker rooms on licensed premises, no bills to license online poker sites have passed through the assembly. Until this happens, residents risk breaking the law if they play online.

West Virginia

West Virginia is keen to expand its gambling industry and already licenses a range of poker rooms and casino games. The state even waived the application fee for operators wanting to enter the market.

Wisconsin

Despite interest from some state legislators, no formal proposals have been tabled to license online poker sites in Wisconsin. Any locals who set up private cash games could be charged with a criminal offense.

Wyoming

Private card games are permitted in Wyoming, provided entry fees are refunded. Sports betting is the only form of online gambling authorized within the state.

US Poker Rooms Explained 

The US Department of Justice began cracking down on online poker sites in 2011, forcing many big-name brands to leave the US market. Since then, laws have become clearer, and several states have taken control of gambling regulation.

This means that while offshore poker sites still operate in the US, we recommend playing on those licensed and regulated within a particular state. For example, if you live in Michigan, we suggest using a poker site that is licensed and regulated in Michigan.

We rate locally licensed sites higher in our reviews as they enable you to play against players based in the same state. This helps speed up transactions and reduce waiting times for games. It also makes the whole experience smoother and more enjoyable. 

How Do I Start Playing Poker Online in the USA? 

We recommend reading our online poker guide to the US to help you choose a safe and reputable poker site, pick the right game for your skills, understand the rules, and learn some basic tips and tricks. 

It’s good to start with low stakes and practice playing Texas Hold’em, as this is one of the most popular types of poker. Once you feel confident, you can move up the stakes or try other variants like Omaha or Stud. Always budget wisely and never spend more than you can afford to lose. Remember, poker is a game of skill and luck, so there can be no guarantees.

Check out our step-by-step guide to getting started with online poker in the US. 

  1. Choose your state – You can only play on locally licensed poker sites if you are within the borders of that state.

  2. Pick your poker site – Check the security credentials and software of any site you are considering signing up for. Local licensing offers some protection, and you can check our recommendations for extra peace of mind.

  3. Create your account – Click the ‘Join’ or ‘Register’ button on the homepage and fill in the required details. This usually includes your name, address, and Social Security Number (SSN). You will need to verify your SSN with the poker site.

  4. Complete registration – Read through the terms and conditions and privacy policy before clicking ‘Agree.’ You should receive a confirmation email, which you must open to complete the registration process.

  5. Make a deposit – Log in to your account and navigate to the cashier. Select a payment method and follow the instructions to make your first deposit. Bear in mind that some bonuses require a deposit to unlock rewards.

  6. Claim your welcome bonus – Before making a deposit, check the latest promotions to find a suitable welcome bonus. Most require you to make a qualifying deposit to trigger free spins or bonus credits. Be sure to read the small print and opt in where possible.

  7. Find a game – Use the poker site’s filters to search for cash games or tournaments that suit your budget and skills. Read our online poker strategy guide to the US to help you decide which format to try first.

  8. Grab a seat – Click on the ‘Join’ or ‘Register’ button beneath the game of choice to take a seat at the table. Make your way to the cashier to withdraw your winnings when you are ready to call it a day.

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Why You Can Trust Our Reviews 

Our expert reviewers have decades of experience testing and reviewing online poker sites in the US and beyond. When creating this online poker guide to the US, we used our extensive knowledge to identify safe and reputable poker rooms for players in every state.

Using a rigorous review process, we rated each poker site based on a wide range of criteria, including software, security, payment options, customer support, and, of course, game variety. We also checked licensing credentials and RNG certification to ensure that all games are always fair and transparent. 

We know what features are important to players because we regularly chat to you online and listen to your feedback. With this in mind, we scored each poker site based on the quality and breadth of its game selection and rated mobile compatibility for iOS and Android devices. We also assessed bonus deals, tournaments, and loyalty rewards. 

All the US online poker sites we recommend are: 

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  • Licensed and regulated – To ensure that players are treated fairly and protected. 
  • Regularly audited – To verify that games are powered by a true random number generator (RNG), meaning outcomes are always fair and transparent. 
  • SSL encrypted – To protect your personal and payment details. 
  • Secure payment methods – Offering fast deposits and timely withdrawals. 
  • Provide reliable customer support – Answering your questions quickly and efficiently.

How Do Online Poker Bonuses Work in the US? 

When you join an online poker site in the US, you will almost certainly be offered a welcome bonus as an incentive to play there. These offers vary in value and usually consist of either tournament tickets or free spendi. To withdraw any winnings made with your bonus funds, you must play through the reward a specified number of times. For example, if the bonus is $50 with 30x playthrough, you would need to make $1,500 worth of games before the bonus was considered cleared. Welcome bonuses typically expire after 30-90 days, so you should aim to opt in and start earning rewards straight away. 

Download vs. Browser-Based Poker Software 

Most established poker sites offer both download and instant-play software. While the games are the same whichever option you choose, the way they look and play can differ slightly, and you may find the download software offers a wider range of features. Instant-play software uses browser plugins to enhance graphics and animations, while allowing you to keep up with the latest software updates automatically. Here are the pros and cons of each platform: 

Downloadable Poker Software Pros and Cons:

  • More features – Download software often offers more settings, hotkeys, avatars, and chat functions than instant play.
  • Better graphics – You can typically tweak visual settings like resolution, sound effects, and music via the download client.
  • Less bandwidth intensive – Download the latest updates automatically, so you don’t have to load as much data each time you want to play.
  • May be slower to update – You’ll need to manually install the latest software upgrades to benefit from performance improvements and new features.

Instant Play Poker Software Pros and Cons:

  • No installation needed – No need to download an installation file or use up valuable storage space on your device.
  • Easier to use – Typically less complicated than download software and usually requires less technical knowledge to set up and use.
  • Auto update – Plugins built into your browser mean you’ll always have the latest version of the software, so you benefit from improved performance and security measures.
  • Fewer features – Instant play platforms tend to have fewer customization tools than download software.
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Which Poker Variants Are Available Online in the US? 

Texas Hold’em is by far the most popular variant of poker and is available at every US-licensed online poker site. Many operators also offer a range of alternative variants, including Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, Seven-Card Stud, and Seven-Card Stud Hi/Lo. Some poker rooms also feature niche variants like Five-Card Draw, Mixed Mania, and Crazy Pineapple. 

Texas Hold’em 

In Texas Hold’em poker, players use any combination of their own cards and the community cards to make the best possible hand. Betting rounds take place before the flop, after the flop, and after the turn and river cards have been dealt. 

Omaha / Omaha Hi Lo 

Omaha is similar to Texas Hold’em, but players must make their hands using exactly two cards from their hand and three from the board. Since players start with four hole cards, Omaha is often described as a more aggressive game. Omaha Hi/Lo follows the same principles, except the pot is split between the highest and lowest hands. 

Seven-Card Stud / Seven-Card Stud Hi Lo 

In this variant, players receive up to seven cards each and must make the best five-card poker hand possible. Seven-Card Stud Hi/Lo follows the same principles, with the pot divided between the highest and lowest ranked hands. 

Other Types of Poker 

Some online poker sites in the US feature lesser-known variants like Crazy Pineapple and Mixed Mania. In Crazy Pineapple, players start with three hole cards, which they use to make the best two-card hand. Mixed mania games feature a combination of variants like Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud. 

What Casino Games Are Similar to Poker? 

If you enjoy playing poker but fancy a change, there are several casino games with rules that overlap with poker. Understanding poker odds and bluffing techniques can be helpful when learning these games. Here are five examples: 

  1. Caribbean Stud / Caribbean Hold’em – A casino poker game in which players bet against the house rather than other players. You make a bet, receive two cards, and decide whether to fold or raise. Several more community cards are dealt, and the dealer reveals their hand to determine the winner. 

  2. Video Poker – Found in casinos and sometimes called ‘bandit’, video poker involves betting and trying to make the best hand according to traditional poker hand rankings. Popular varieties include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker’s Wild. 

  3. Three Card Poker – Another ‘house’ poker game, Three Card Poke sees you receive three cards and decide whether to ante or not. If you ante, you and the dealer receive more cards. The aim is to make a better poker hand than the dealer – depending on the variation you’re playing. 

  4. Ultimate Texas Hold’em – Up to six players compete against the dealer in each hand of Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Players make multiple bets and can increase them by making calls or raises. The aim is to make a stronger poker hand than the dealer. 

  5. Pai Gow Poker –> A game inspired by traditional Chinese domino games and involving a dealer and up to six players. Each player and the banker receive seven cards, which they use to create two poker hands – one five-card hand and one three-card hand. The player wins if both their hands beat the dealer’s hands. 

How to Play Texas Hold’em Poker Online 

For beginners looking to learn Texas Hold’em poker, we’ve created a simple guide explaining how to play and win. Texas Hold’em is the most popular type of poker, so mastering the basics opens the door to countless online card rooms. Read on to learn the object of the game, the deal protocol, betting structure, and hand rankings. 

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Texas Hold’em Rules and Gameplay 

Up to nine players can play Texas Hold’em poker at one table, but the game can be played with just two people. Also known as ‘hold-as-dealt’, this variant begins with two cards being dealt ‘face down’ to each player. These are known as ‘hole’ cards and remain hidden until the end of the hand. 

After the hole cards have been dealt, the first round of betting takes place, starting with the player seated to the left of the dealer. They can either fold, call, or raise the minimum bet. After the first betting round is complete, the ‘flop’ takes place, with three community cards being dealt ‘face up’. 

Once the flop has been dealt, another round of betting ensues, moving clockwise around the table. The next stage is the ‘turn’, where a single, ‘face down’ card is dealt. This is followed by another round of betting. Finally, a ‘river’ card is dealt ‘face up’. This triggers the final opportunity to bet. 

At this point, players use any combination of their hole cards and the community cards to make the best five-card poker hand. If you’ve never learned how to play poker before, check out our handy guide to poker hands below. Having compared their hands, players reveal their cards, and the highest ranked hand wins the pot. 

Poker Hand Rankings 

Remember, aces can be used to make straight flush, flush, straight, and full houses. Royal Flush: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten of the same suite Straight Flush: Five cards in a sequence, all in the same suite Royal Flush (continued): Example, Q, J, 10, 9 of clubs or spades Flush: Any five cards of the same suite (not in sequence) Example: 7, 8, 9, 10, K of hearts or diamonds Full House: Three of a kind and a pair Example: 8, 8, 8, 5, 5; Or Q, Q, Q, A, A of clubs or diamonds 

These are the next highest ranked hands in poker, working down the list:

  • Straight – Five cards in a sequence, but not all the same suite.
  • 3 of a Kind – Three cards that are identical in rank.
  • Two Pair – Two cards of one rank, two cards of another rank, and any fifth card.
  • Pair – Two cards of the same rank, but no better than that.
  • High Card – Any single card that ranks highest.

If two hands have the same ranked winning hand, the pot is split evenly between them. Sometimes, players may fold their hand without showing anyone their cards. This could be because they don’t think they have a chance of winning or because the bet has gotten too high. 

Beginner Tips for Playing Texas Hold’em Poker 

If you are new to online poker in the US and learning Texas Hold’em, our expert tips below will help improve your chances of success: 

  1. Learn the rules – Get to grips with the deal protocol, betting structure, and hand rankings before playing with real money.
  2. Start with low stakes – This will help you get used to the pace of the game and avoid losing too much too quickly.
  3. Watch and learn – Spend some time observing how experienced players behave and the kinds of hands they play.
  4. Be patient – Don’t feel you have to play every hand. Wait for decent cards and only join pots that you think you can win.
  5. Use your position – Try to gauge your opponents’ attitudes to the game before it gets to you. If you’re further from the button (where the dealer starts), you’ll usually get more information and can make tighter calls.
  6. Play the players – Since you don’t get to see your opponents’ hole cards, work out what kinds of hands they might have and how likely they are to win.
  7. Don’t be afraid to bluff – Even though everyone has their hole cards visible, a well-timed bluff can still work. If your behavior suggests you have a weak hand, your opponents might fold when they have a good hand.
  8. Quit while you’re ahead – Set yourself a time limit or spending limit and stick to it. It can be tempting to chase losses, but this can quickly eat into your bankroll. 
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How Does Online Poker Bonus On-Boarding Work? 

When you sign up for a poker site in the US, you will often receive a welcome bonus. To unlock any free play or spend that’s tied to a bonus, you generally need to generate a certain number of points (aka ‘points-based’ or ‘fixed-ruler’ bonuses). 

Each action at the tables, like playing for cash or contributing to a tournament prize pool, earns you a set number of points. As you accumulate these bonus points, the meter fills, eventually releasing your bonus funds into your account. Below, we’ve explained how to convert bonus dollars into spend that you can use at the tables. 

Points Needed / Rake Weighted 

Under this scheme, the amount of rake contributed by a player in a cash game is equal to 100%. In other words, if you contribute $100 in rake, you need to generate $100 worth of games to release $10 of your bonus. 

Since rake weight varies between 3.5% and 9.5%, depending on the stakes and number of players at the table, this method of releasing bonuses can favor lower-stakes games. To clear $10 of a $100 bonus, you would need to play across 1,000 ‘Redeemed Ticket’ points at a 5.5% rake table or 1,250 points at a 3.5% rake table. Alternatively, you could play across 625 points at an 8% table or 600 points at a 9.5% table. 

Time-Based 

With a time-based bonus, once you have registered at an online poker site in the US, you typically have several weeks or months to unlock the bonus funds in full. To do this, you simply play your favorite games, with most sites crediting between 20-25% of the rake contributed. So, if you signed up to a site with a $500 time-based bonus, you would need around $2,000-$2,500 in rake at 20-25% weighting to clear the whole sum. 

Hybrid Models for Clearing Your Bonus 

Some welcome bonuses combine elements of points and time-based releases. For instance, you could contribute $100 in rake but have 30 days to do so and earn between $20 and $25 per 1,000 Redeemed Tickets. In this scenario, you would need between 4 and 5 Redeemed Tickets per $1 you want to clear from your bonus. 

The Importance of Rake Back Weighting 

Rake contributes to clearing your welcome bonus, but the speed at which you unlock the bonus depends on the weighting applied. Rake weighting can vary between 5% and 26.3%, so it’s worth checking this figure before signing up for a new site. The higher the weighting, the faster you will be able to clear your bonus. Here’s a quick summary of how rake contributions are weighted at three popular US poker sites:

  • = 26.3 rake weighting for tournament entries and 12.3 rake weighting for cash game rake.
  • = 17.5 rake weighting for cash games and 5 rake weighting for tournaments.
  • = 20.3 rake weighting for tournament entries and 8.4 rake weighting for cash game rake.
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Glossary of Common Poker Terms 

bet – this refers to the initial wager made by any player during a hand. Blinds are included in this definition. 

all-in / going broke – when a player places all of their chips into the pot. 

ante – a mandatory opening bet for certain games like Omaha and Seven-Card Stud. Antes are usually smaller than blinds and go to the pot. 

big blind (BB